Bandook

3-7 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 - 01225 300600  - www.bandookkitchen.com

This week we were invited to visit Bandook in Milson Place for an Indian street food feast.  A wet evening, we arrived between showers and were so pleased to see there was outside covered seating, so we could sit out and keep dry and cool.  We were welcomed by Joanna the manager who talked us through the menu, and we chose some cocktails whilst we looked at the extensive range of dishes on offer.  On Joanna's advice, we went for the chef's selection of dishes to showcase the menu.  The cocktail menu is really varied and covers all tastes, offering a 2 for 1 at £8.50 which is a great price for the centre of Bath.

Our first two dishes came out and were so pretty as you can see.  The Kale Pakora Chaat (£6.50) was delicious, crunchy fried kale, served with onion, tomato, chickpeas, vermicelli and a mint glaze.  We were so pleased to see the Pani Puri (£4.50) which we loved from our Mint Room visit, puffed semolina shells served with jal jeera water.  You pour it into the shells and eat in one go!

Next up was the Crispy Chilli Squid (£7.50) nicely spicy with fresh chillis and onions - really tasty and the Bombay Prawns (£8.50) were really good, king prawns marinated in caraway, peanuts, sesame and tomato salsa, sprinkled with coconut.  Really juicy and flavoursome, we liked these a lot!

Next on the showcase was Keema Pav (£6.00) soft buttered brioche buns with curried minced lamb - these were so moreish and a firm favourite from our evening.  The Delhiwale's Pocket Kebab (£8.50) was another tasty treat, layered paratha (so good) stuffed with chicken and spicy veg.  The highlight of the evening for us was the Taco Dosa (£12.50) South Indian pancakes made using fermented butter from ponni rice & black lentils served with drumstick sambar and the most delicious tomato chutney.  Ours came with chettinad pulled duck, which was so tender and full of flavour - one we will be ordering next time we visit for sure.

Our last selection of dishes did not disappoint.  We were very full at this point but still had to try all these amazing mains that came out.  Railway Lamb Curry (£14.50) an authentic lamb curry full of flavour, not too hot was super tasty and the Keralan Moilee (£11.00) a gently spiced coconut milk sauce with aubergines was an interesting combination of flavours and textures.  We had sides of Kurkurit Bhini (£5.00) crunchy fried okra which was a real surprise as neither of us like okra but this was delicious.  Pilau Rice (£3.00) and a Bread Basket (£5.50) with roti, naan and a garlic naan were also fantastic.

We were way too full to try desserts, so we will have those next time we visit.  We do plan on returning as paying customers as the flavours and range of dishes were so good.  Joanna was charming and really took the time to chat with customers (including us) to make sure they (and us) had a great dining experience.  Service was quick and efficient and lots of walk in's were accommodated whilst we were there.
Located in the centre of town, it's a great place to meet with friends and family for an informal relaxed evening.
In summary, we recommend Bandook - its a hidden gem that you really need to try!